Dear Jew in the City, Why do Orthodox Jews walk everywhere? Sincerely, Driving Dear Driving, Do we? I literally hadn’t noticed. It’s tempting to say that it’s because fresh air and exercise are good for you – which they are – but I suspect that’s not what you’re experiencing. In all likelihood, you’re encountering […]
At the 2nd Annual Jewish Media Awards, held at Lincoln Center on November 12, 2024, actor Jonathan Lipnicki presented the Keter Shem Tov Award to the crew of “We Will Dance Again” for their courageous and compassionate storytelling in the wake of tragedy. The documentary, distributed by Paramount (which recently merged with Skydance), centers on […]
When Rebecca Blum walked across the graduation stage at Hofstra University this spring, donning her cap and gown, the diploma she carried bore the weight of everything it took to get there: years of healing her relationship with Judaism, and the slow, courageous process of making it through college. Rebecca grew up in New Square, […]
“I chose the path of faith, and in the path of faith I returned.” Last week, hostage Agam Berger’s mother said she didn’t want to violate the Sabbath to collect her daughter. In a situation of grave danger there is room in Jewish law for leniency on Sabbath observance. But after Agam’s mother made this […]
Dear Jew In the City, This year Yom Kippur falls on Shabbat. What are the halachot concerning this? Thanks, Eliza _ Hi Eliza, Thanks for your question. When Yom Kippur falls on Shabbos, what’s different? Quite a bit when it comes to Shabbos, but surprisingly little when it comes to Yom Kippur. Shabbos is different […]
Tisha B’Av – the ninth day of the month of Av – is usually the saddest day of the Jewish calendar, a day of fasting and mourning the destruction of both Temples in Jerusalem, among other tragedies. But last year, our family’s Tisha B’Av was far from solemn. Late in June, my husband, Daniel, received […]
